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“President Obama’s blunt, honest address in Cairo was absolutely critical in signaling a new era of understanding with Muslim communities worldwide. He shattered stereotypes on both sides, reminded the West and the Muslim world of our responsibilities, and reaffirmed one of America’s highest ideals and traditional roles — that those who seek freedom and democracy, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, have no greater friend than the United States of America. We know that one impressive speech will not erase years of mistrust and missed opportunities, just as Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech did not complete the civil rights movement. Deeds will have to follow words.”

“As I read this [speech] on my BlackBerry in Heathrow Airport, I am reminded of JFK’s and Reagan’s capacity to project American ideals. This is a great investment in our soft power.”

Kristin Lord, vice president, Center for a New American Security:

“The president deserves an A+ for this exceptional speech. He spoke plainly about the complex issues that divide the United States and many of the world’s Muslims — but in frankly acknowledging their complexity, he showed a path forward. He demonstrated deep respect for Islam but called on Muslims to address deficits in religious tolerance, human rights and democratic governance. He offered U.S. assistance in promoting education and innovation but called on Muslim societies to invest in those objectives. He grounded his speech in the principles of Islam but also in the principles of Judaism and Christianity. President Obama’s focus on education, internships, business partnerships and science diplomacy was particularly noteworthy. When the United States has the same network of positive relationships with the Middle East and other Muslim societies that it does with other parts of the world, the foundation for productive partnership will be stronger and more enduring. All this said, the message received, not the message sent, is what matters. Thus my grade is irrelevant. But the standing ovation and chants of ‘Obama’ from those in the audience suggest that the speech will be well-received by the audience that the president ultimately intended to reach.”

James Carafano, Heritage Foundation:

“The president’s words on Iran seem more like a ‘green light’ to its nuclear program than the start of serious negotiations — and are completely contradictory with the statement that we don’t want ‘an arms race in the Middle East.’ Hope is not a strategy, but it seems White House counterproliferation strategy is to cut our missile defense programs and nuclear weapons inventories and ‘hope’ we don’t have a new arms race age.”

James Zogby, president, Arab American Institute:

“In speaking with friends in the Middle East ... I was impressed how many parts of the speech resonated. Everyone could take away something — peace activists, advocates for democracy and women’s rights, religious minorities, etc. In that regard, the menu worked.

“What concerns me, though, is that there was so much to the speech that its central thrust will be lost here in the U.S. Listening to some of the commentators on TV this morning was troubling. Those from past administrations didn’t get it at all. Some appeared concerned that Obama wasn’t tough enough (did they really want him to deliver another ‘axis of evil’ speech?). Others crowed, ‘He really gave it to them on democracy,’ and so on — totally missing the point that this president wasn’t talking at Muslims, he was working to engage with them.”

Readers' Comments (1)

IN IRAQ: "I don't believe they will leave (by 2012) as he says. But I also don't want the Americans to leave yet, because without the Americans, there won't be peace." Aya Ishan, 20, a student IN IRAQ: "They came here for their own interest, so it's difficult to know if they will leave when they say they will. Obama can improve the credibility of the U.S. if he stays on the timeline, but they must also do as much as possible over the next 21/2 years to help Iraq recover." Ali Ameen, 32, a dentist IN IRAQ:"The honeyed and flowery speeches express only one thing that America wants to adopt a different attitude in subduing the world and putting it under its control and globalization." Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr

IN PAKISTAN:"We are not happy that U.S. soldiers are being killed in Afghanistan, but our soldiers are also being killed due to this war, and this war is being fought inside Pakistani cities due to American policies. Obama did not announce any change in his policy towards Pakistan and Afghanistan, and that means the suffering of the Pakistani people will continue." Farhan Abbas, 25, student IN AFGHANISTAN: "(Obama's speech) reflected the reality. We are grateful for the support and sacrifice of the U.S. but we would like to stand on our own two feet as quickly as possible." Humayun Hamidzada,spokesman for Afghan President Hamid Karzai IN PAKISTAN:"Obama in his speech didn't appreciate Pakistan's sacrifices as being made not just (by) the army and police, but also common Pakistanis. Unfortunately these terrorists were trained by Americans themselves who gave them weapons, and now they are killing Americans and Muslims. This is now our war as well." Abdul Khaliq, 42, public servant

IN IRAQ:"If the Americans want to fight extremism, then Obama should stop supporting extremists that are in charge only because the Americans allow it." Maha Ahmed, 29, a school teacher IN PAKISTAN:"The war on terror is not our war it is imposed upon us. Yes, terrorists are enemies of humanity, but they were backed into a corner, and hence they found no way out but to wage war against the USA and their allies." Sajjad Ahmed, 52, businessman IN IRAQ:"Obama is offering a hand toward brotherhood, and Muslims must do their part to rid Islam of extremists and terrorists and prove it is a religion of peace." Saad Louis, 43, owner of a grocery store